Here Are The Latest CDC Travel Requirements - Forbes

Now that we're in the heart of winter here in the United States and with coronavirus positivity rates still near all-time highs, it's wise to review the latest CDC travel recommendations for domestic and international travel. There are several steps to take before, during and after travel.

Domestic Travel Requirements

Here are some of the domestic travel guidelines to observe.

Being Fully Vaccinated

The CDC continues to recommend that all U.S. citizens delay traveling domestically until they are fully vaccinated. For now, the CDC is not redefining the definition of fully vaccinated to include a recent booster shot if you're eligible for one. 

However, they recommend that Americans get boosted if it's been at least five months since receiving the final Pfizer or Moderna dose or two months for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Masking Guidelines

It's still federal law for passengers at least two years old to wear a mask during commercial travel or indoors at public transit hubs (like airports).

Testing Guidelines

The testing recommendations are contingent on your vaccination status.

Unvaccinated Travelers

Unvaccinated travelers should get a pre-travel test 1-3 days before departure and monitor for potential symptoms at all times. After completing your trip, the current recommendations are to self-quarantine at home for five days and also get a post-travel test between days 3-5. 

Vaccinated Travelers

There are no pre-travel or post-travel testing recommendations for vaccinated travelers, but they should self-monitor for potential symptoms. You should get tested if you begin exhibiting symptoms. 

Observe Local And State Guidelines

It's also vital to observe the travel guidelines of your destination and the post-travel policies of your home state. 

Several metroplexes have mask mandates and may require proof of vaccine or a recent recovery to participate in select indoor activities like dining and entertainment. 

If you're flying to Hawaii, you will either need a negative pre-arrival test or be fully vaccinated to waive the mandatory entry quarantine. None of the other 49 states currently have a quarantine requirement.

International Travel Guidelines

The international travel guidelines for your destination take precedence as the CDC guidelines stop at the U.S. border. However, there are several pre-travel and post-travel requirements to know about.

Testing Guidelines

Most international destinations require visiting Americans to have a negative pre-arrival test. The CDC recommends that the unvaccinated get a pre-travel test 1-3 days before departure regardless of the destination's testing requirements.

All Americans at least two years old must also have a negative result to return to the United States. The Biden Administration changed the U.S. return travel testing requirements in December 2021.

Regardless of your vaccination status, you must get a test within 24 hours of your return flight to the United States. Previously, fully vaccinated travelers had up to 72 hours before departure.

In addition to the mandatory entry test, all travelers should get a post-travel test 3-5 days after arrival.

Vaccination Requirements

U.S. citizens do not have to be fully vaccinated to travel abroad unless the destination country has this requirement. It's possible to return to the U.S. restriction-free with a negative test result. 

However, the U.S. requires age-eligible international visitors to be fully vaccinated to enter the United States.

Isolation Requirements

Unvaccinated U.S. residents returning from abroad should self-quarantine for five days. 

This recommendation doesn't apply to the fully vaccinated and people who have recently recovered from coronavirus (unless they exhibit sick symptoms).

Summary

You should only travel when you don't feel sick, don't have a positive test result within 10 days of travel, and haven't recently made known contact with a person having Covid-19. If you satisfy these recommendations, it can be safe to travel. However, you should continue following the local travel guidelines during travel and observing the post-travel practices to prevent potential spread. 

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